To obtain the subject preparation not causing a photoallergy even in use in high concentration, having excellent skin lightening effect, of preventing and treating stain and freckles by including a specific cyclic compound.

This preparation comprises a cyclic compound of formula I [X is a connecting group; Y is any of connecting groups of formula II and formula III (J is a substituent group on a benzene ring; (m) is 1-5; G is a connecting group; Q is a condensed or substituted ring structure) or the like; (n) is a natural number] (with the proviso that cycloheptadiene of formula IV is omitted). Preferably, 0.0001-20 wt.% of the compound or its salt is contained in the objective preparation. The preparation is properly mixed, if required, with a component useful for a common cosmetic, quasi-drug, medicine, or the like, such as a skin lightening agent, humectant, oily component, or the like. The preparation is combined with a well-known skin lightening agent, antioxidant (e.g. ascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid derivative, a vitamin E derivative, or the like) to raise a skin lightening effect.